Last night, anyone with a television and a cable connection tuned in to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where the world’s best bodies walked the liveliest runway in New York wearing little more than their lingerie and a 10-foot-plus set of wings. What does it take for the models to prepare—mentally and physically—for the big event? We asked some of the top Angels to divulge their secrets for getting ready in the months and weeks leading up to the show. Here, their responses, which reveal the steely fortitude of a professional athlete—and a near-universal obsession with coconut water.

Expand

What is your workout routine leading up to the show?My lead-up to the show changes every year! Each year I grow more into my body, my career, my health, my mind, and my inner spirit. As a young woman, you take for granted that staying lean and in shape is easy, but then you become a woman with responsibilities! I get a huge amount of enjoyment from participating in dancing, Zumba, Pilates, ballet, swimming in the ocean, and the occasional aerobics class.

Who do you train with?This year, since I knew that my season, which started in September, was overloaded, I decided to bring my trainer Justin Gelband to Brazil with me while I worked. Justin and I have been training together for six years. Our workouts vary, but each one concentrates on developing more strength, mobility, stability, flexibility, movement, motion, and a body that takes me down the runway looking my best.

What do you do?Boxing, yoga, Pilates, toning, shaping, cardio, and any other type of exercise my trainer comes up with. We are never bored! When we work out, we focus on the full body, and being strong from top to bottom. Obviously, kicking a trainer’s butt with some boxing gloves makes any woman’s day!

How many times a week?Four to five days a week before the show. My body reacts best when I rest a day in between. On the whole, 100 minutes of nonstop action every other day does me well!

Do you make modifications to your diet?I don’t cut anything out. I actually focus on eating more protein and carbs to build a stronger body. I have a protein shake every day. Most people don’t want to believe it, but I probably eat more than a man does!

What’s the most fun part of getting ready for the show?The most fun part is treating it like a project and seeing how far I can push myself in that time, seeing my body change and get stronger. The best part about training for the show is the amount of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears you put into something you always dreamed of doing.

Expand

What is your workout routine leading up to the show? I try and stay more consistent with my workouts and make them a priority—switching up Ballet Beautiful classes, yoga, running, and training sessions with Justin Gelband.

How far in advance do you start preparing? A month before the show I start to really kick into gear.

Do you make modifications to your diet?I withhold from having dessert or sweets during the few weeks leading up to the show.

What’s the hardest part of getting ready?It’s not the time to have fun eating and trying new restaurants. I love trying new foods!

What’s the most fun part?Envisioning the excitement of walking down the runway and feeling amazing.

What foods or recovery drinks do you rely on?Coconut water and Juice Press Gravity juice.

Expand

How far in advance do you start preparing for the show?I watch my diet and try to stay in shape all year, so it’s not about starting a new program, it’s about keeping up with the usual one.

What do you do to workout? I love Muay Thai. I don’t get bored and feel strong and confident when I am done.

Who do you train with? I always like working out with a friend. It helps with motivation.

What foods or recovery drinks do you rely on?Coconut water.

What’s the hardest part of getting ready?Ignoring the nerves. They start to build up a few weeks before the show.

What’s the most fun part?Victoria’s Secret is like family now. Everyone works so hard leading up to the big day. When we are all finally together putting on the outfits, you can’t help but have fun!

Expand

What is your workout routine leading up to the show?I do a lot of Ballet Beautiful with Mary Helen Bowers all year long and do an extra day a week leading up to the show. I love doing the bridge series; it’s great for the whole body.

How many times a week?Five to six days a week; it’s important to take a day off and relax.

Do you increase or modify workouts as you get closer to the date?I lengthen my workouts to an hour and a half.

Are there exercises you think are especially effective?We do a lot of inner and outer thigh on the mat. It’s incredible how long and lean it makes your legs.

What foods or recovery drinks do you rely on?Coconut water.

Do you make modifications to your diet?The week before I try to avoid supersalty foods.

What do you snack on backstage?I’m addicted to roasted chicken and sweet potatoes.

What’s the hardest part of getting ready?I have so much fun getting ready for the show, but I try to work out when my daughter is asleep, so I have to wake up super early to get a workout in!

Expand

What’s your workout routine leading up to the show? I eat a more protein-heavy diet and work out daily.

How far in advance do you start preparing? One month.

What do you do?Kickboxing and Pilates.

How many times a week? Every day.

What foods or recovery drinks do you rely on?Coconut water.

What’s the hardest part of getting ready? The mental preparation.

What’s the most fun part? The results! Watching all of the hard work together and being part of such an incredible show.